2. amps-preamps
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Amplifier progression and change

I have Harbeth SHL-5s with vintage Accuphase P-300/C-200 amps. It's a nice combination, but I'm thinking of updating the amplifier with a smaller newer integrated, but is it that easy? My question is this: will new amps from companies such as Blue Circle, Plinius, Luxman, LFD, Accuphase, etc. clearly blow away 35 year old Accuphase separates? Have enough advances been made that a new $2000 - $4000 integrated can best an old amp that was built nearly with a cost-no-object standard? Whether solid state or tube, what would one have to spend to get an amp that is head and shoulders above the P-300/C-200? Thanks!
128x128jtnicolosi
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think you can get a heck of a good integrated for your price range, in the $3000 range, I think the Manley Stingray II is well worth looing into. They use EL84 tubes which I really like in one on my amps, and if the triode setting is enough power, all the better.
mmike84
309 posts
 
04-23-10: Pubul57

I think you can get a heck of a good integrated for your price range, in the $3000 range, I think the Manley Stingray II is well worth looing into. They use EL84 tubes which I really like in one on my amps, and if the triode setting is enough power, all the better.

Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers)

The HL5 is 86 db at 6ohms. Not sure how uniform the impedance is. From the Manley website: "Following the mighty 6414 driver/phase splitter, the trusty EL84 output stage can be switched between either around 20 watts of TRIODE or 40 watts of Ultra Linear mode push-pull operation."

Depending on listening set up, room size, music type(s), and listening volumes I would have some reservations about this combination. I did have HL5's for a bit and I found 55-85 to be a good tube amp range.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I agree, I think you would need 60 - 80 watts to drive those speakers with some margin for different rooms and listening levels. Maybe something like the MAC 2275 or a used VAC Avatar with KT88s. Some say the Cayins are good, but I have not heard them but briefly at a show, but at least on the outside, they "look" very solid and well made.
mmike84
309 posts
 
Bingo. In my first post I recommended a VAC Avatar Super. The standard Avatar is no more powerful than the Manley. There are other for sure but those Harbeths came alive for me with tubes, especially on the VAC.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
OP, what are you thinking?
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